Osun Operates Without Security Votes — Gov Adeleke Insists

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated that his administration does not operate the controversial system of security votes, insisting that all security-related expenditures are strictly routed through budgetary provisions.

In a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke disclosed that he has faced stiff resistance for maintaining the policy but stressed that he would continue with it “even at great cost.”

“Under my watch, we don’t operate security votes in the sense Nigerians understand it. I face resistance over the policy but I stick to it even at great cost,” the governor said.

Adeleke clarified that Osun State has no slush funds under his leadership, stressing that all security spending is processed in accordance with public finance laws and regulations.

According to him, security expenditures cover operational support for security agencies, crisis response interventions, peace-building initiatives, and the running of the Amotekun security network.

“These expenditures are undertaken within statutory approval processes, which involve raising memos and complying with government payment procedures,” he explained.

The governor noted that the policy was deliberately adopted to conserve scarce resources for development projects.

“I believe Osun needs every kobo to meet her numerous developmental challenges. Our earnings from FAAC allocations and internally generated revenues are channelled to infrastructure, agriculture, health, and other key sectors,” he said.

He added that the payment of workers’ salaries, pensions, and settlement of outstanding debts remain top priorities, stressing that his administration maintains a balance between human capital and infrastructure development.

Adeleke further disclosed that a special project account had been created to save unexpected inflows from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which he described as a financial buffer to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.

On the lingering issue of seized local government funds, the governor expressed optimism that it would be resolved soon, assuring citizens that his administration remained focused on completing both human and capital development initiatives within stipulated timelines.